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Julie Andrews may have dreamed of mitts and a kettle but my wish list is a tad better.

If there’s one thing that comes to mind at this time of year, aside from the crowded malls, posters suggesting lipgloss makes a good stocking stuffer and my mom’s plum pudding, it’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Not sure how that film became synonymous with Christmas but it’s always on a laptop or television around our house on Christmas Day. I’m no Julie Andrews but, like the song says, I do have some favourite things to give and receive. (Really hope my hubby is reading this HINT HINT).

For my after-work event I chose a lace/eyelet Oscar De la Renta top and skirt, paired with a Sara Battaglia for Ferragamo bag and Givenchy sandals.

Recently I was invited to an after-work event which would involve meeting new people. It got me thinking…what does one wear “after-work” to meet new people? The task was even more complicated, given that I don’t work at an office proper. The reality is few people go to these things directly from work. Most dash home to toss off the office attire and slip into something a little more playful. To that end…a few tips when navigating the tricky path of “after-work” invites.

Vetements’ yellow dress, from their SS2016 collection, is an ode to the delicate floral prints found on the designers’ grandmother’s aprons. RiRi wore it in Sweden, I wore it in Toronto.

True Confession: I am entirely enamoured with design label Vetements. Somewhat like a sugar craving, the more I deny it the more I need it. The anti-fashion stance the Gvasalia brothers have taken at Vetements has resulted in me squandering endless hours on the net stalking certain dresses, blouses and boots.

Mark Fast is Canada’s best export; better than oil, vehicles or cereals (yes, apparently we export large quantities of that ?!) While not readily recognizable to some, he is well known to the likes of Rihanna and Beyonce who are both customers and fans. He’s beyond sweet and kind and even told the Daily Mail once he would NEVER think of paying a celebrity to sit in his front row but would “…rather spend the money on the work itself.” Add integrity and pure artistry to his list of admirable qualities.

My beautiful friend, Kathy Hilton, popped in to Toronto this Spring. She was here to act as Honorary Chair for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre BELIEVE IN FASHION event, featuring a runway show by Canadian grown superstar designer Erdem Moraglioglu. (For those who need to know it’s ER-dem Moralee-oh-glue).

This story picks up in January when I knew I had to secure a dress for the fab Zac Posen event in Toronto, held at the end of April 2014. Back in January I spied a beauty of a gown on Moda Operandi’s VINTAGE VANGUARD collection (www.modaoperandi.com).

I remember the first time I sprinkled M&Ms on my movie theatre popcorn. My mind was literally blown…it shouldn’t have worked but it was fabulous. Exactly the feeling I had when I saw the street style shots from New York, Paris and London wherein 90’s style sweatshirts were hooking up with tailored skirts, skinny jeans, heeled sandals and single soled pointy pumps. It was as if worlds had collided and Friday night out was now partnering with Saturday morning in. Just like the chocolate complimented the buttery saltiness, the humble frump of the sweatshirt compliments the acute fit of a sharp mid-length skirt and a Swiss-Army-knife sleek shoe. Ditto the effect when the shapeless upper is bottomed out with skinny jeans or an elegant ladylike skirt. (more…)

Midway on the runway AW2013 as seen at (left to right): Victoria Beckham, Celine and Haider Ackermann.

It’s time to raid your closet and ask yourself this compelling question. The current hemline for skirts, the one to be wearing right now, is the midi. It started last year, when houses like Miu Miu went full on midi for SS2013. At the AW2013 collections (shown in February/March), it was the only length the frowers were wearing. This season it has really arrived. No longer dowdy, today’s midi skirt is sleek, feminine and surprisingly sexy. Credit the likes of Mrs Beckham, Sienna M and Carine Roitfeld for giving midis their sultry seals of approval and thereby propelling them to superstar status. (more…)

Animal graphic sweaters and sweat shirts are an easy way to update your casual look in a jiffy. They’re PETA approved and take solid separates or denim from meh to (to quote Seinfeld’s Kenny Bania)”Gold Jerry, gold!”. Who wouldn’t love the raw fierceness of Givenchy’s Rottweiler tee, especially as seen on the likes of Liv Tyler? Buyer beware: this is a trend that may be in for now but don’t blink because it will be over and done with by January. (more…)

There was a time…back in the day…when tying a garment of clothing at the waist was a perfectly acceptable practice. Then came Y2K and we all embraced a sense of pristine put togetherness. Good news; that 90’s vibe of grunge-ish nonchalance has once again resurfaced, and is the ideal way to season a middle-of-the-road outfit with a bohemia flavour. A few points to keep in mind in order to pull off the unstudied vibe:LENGTH AND POSITIONING ARE KEYThe tied shirt or sweater must reach your knees. Also, you’ll have to determine if you want it tight to the waist (tailored) or relaxed on the hips (grunge). (more…)